The truth hurts sometimes. However, sometimes confronting the truth helps you accept and understand certain things with more clarity. From there, it is pretty much up to you...
Here's my take on 10 common questions asked within or about the TEFL industry. Far from demotivating me with a sense of "Why bother? What's the use?", my acceptance of some of these home truthes is actually a driving force in my own personal motivation to stand up to, change, or (at the very least) learn to live harmoniously in coexistence with some of them.
Q1. Why are so many people around the world learning English?
Incorrect answer:
Because they want to be global citizens and connect/communicate with other people around the world.
Correct answer:
Because they have to. It's mandatory in their schooling or as part of their job prospects.
Q2. Why is motivation such a major issue in English language learning classes?
Incorrect answer:
Because English is difficult and takes a long time to learn.
Correct answer:
Because most learners don't actually want to learn English, and wouldn't if they had a realistic choice.
Q3. Why does so much English language instruction take place in cramped, unadorned rooms with few (if any) windows?
Incorrect answer:
It helps the learners focus more on the language and learning.
Correct answer:
This is all that some contexts can afford to efficiently provide, and in other contexts it's because it's all they can afford according to a business plan designed to make massive profits.
Q4. Why are coursebooks so important in English language programs?
Incorrect answer:
They are the most effective way to guide and facilitate language development.
Correct answer:
(1) Most school administrators have no real idea how to teach English effectively; (2) most of these schools hire inexperienced or barely qualified teachers who also have no idea how to teach English effectively; and (3) schools want to make money and pre-made glossy coursebooks make them look far more professional and effective than they actually are.
Q5. Why do tests play such a major role in English as a Foreign Language study?
Incorrect answer:
They help students measure their own growth in the language and set new learning goals for themselves.
Correct answer:
English is a qualification first and foremost (for the vast majority of students), and given the sheer number of students, there needs to be a simple way to measure who is better than whom (and hence more "qualified").
Q6. Why do most English language tests focus exclusively on reading, listening and grammar skills?
Incorrect answer:
Because it is impossible to test speaking and writing fairly and effectively.
Correct answer:
There are too many people to test, and these passive skills are the easiest to measure quickly, reliably, and profitably across massive numbers of applicants.
Q7. Why do so many "non-profit" English testing organisations charge so much for their tests?
Incorrect answer:
Because of the incredible costs associated with making and delivering tests.
Correct answer:
Because "non profit English testing organisation" is a complete misnomer.
Q8. Why is it so expensive to learn English?
Incorrect answer:
It requires a lot of resources and highly trained professional teachers.
Correct answer:
English language learning is a major business, and business is about supply, demand, and making tonnes of money.
Q9. Why don't many teachers do more to develop their skills and professionalism?
Incorrect answer(s):
They are too busy and/or aren't aware of the opportunities available to them.
Correct answer:
They don't want to or couldn't really be bothered.
Q10. Why don't major publishers develop better and more eclectic teaching materials?
Incorrect answer:
Because they have high overheads and can only afford to cater to the needs of the immediate market.
Correct answer(s):
(1) Their organisational development has hypnotised them into a belief that they are producing better and more eclectic materials; and (2) because they are infinitely less profitable; and/or (3) they don't need to.
Bonus questions: Is there any hope at all for TEFL? Is it destined to keep spiralling downward inside a bottle plastered with labels of success? If there is hope, where will it come from?
I'll let you help me answer that one!
Got an answer to the final bonus questions above? Do you have any alternative answers to any of these common EFL questions? Got other questions you'd like to add to the list?
Go for your life!
:-)
